The researchers noted that 5912 patients were transplanted for hepatocellular carcinoma, with decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma patients who increased from 16% in 1988–1995 to 30% in 2006–2010.

The team of doctors assessed that in 2006–2010 patient and graft survival significantly improved compared to 1988–1995, both for HBV and decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.

A better patient and graft survival was seen in decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma patients with hepatocellular carcinoma-DNA(−) compared to hepatocellular carcinoma-DNA(+) at the time of liver transplantation.

The researchers examined that disease recurrence, as cause of death/graft loss, was significantly reduced in recent years compared to the past.

Currently 1% for hepatocellular carcinoma, and 3% for decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dr Burra's team concludes, "Outcomes of liver transplantation for HBV have improved in recent years, with disease recurrence being no longer a significant cause of death/graft loss."

"Hepatocellular carcinoma-DNA at the time of liver transplantation seems to influence survival only in decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma patients."